1966 Chevy Chevelle REBUILT BIG BLOCK RUNS HOT

HARRELSONG

MEMBER
1966 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE
V8
2WD
MANUAL
1,011 MILES

I have a freshly rebuilt Chevy 427 ci in a '66 Chevlle that is running hot at idle.I've replace thermostats, water pump, radiator cap and radiator.I've noticed that the top radiator hose is extremely tight and full, it seems that no water is circulating thru the thermostat. The hoses are all new. It's a great car but I can't cruise very far without the engine temperature going thru the roof. Help!

2 Replies

LOUT5369

MECHANIC
217 POSTS

You have the intake gaskets on right, sounds like a coolant port is blocked, take the cap off and start it up see what kind off circulation you have. Good Luck, Lou

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Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 AT 7:29 AM

MICKEY-D

MECHANIC
304 POSTS

Pull out the t-stat, and put in an old one with the center and spring removed. You can do this with a pair of side cutters. Fill the radiator slowly with water until you can see it covering the coils. Stop and let the level settle, adding water slowly, until level is about an inch from the filler neck. Start the engine and let it run,
and keep an eye on the coolant level and water temp. You should see the water circulating. If its circulating, your problem could have been a stuck t-stat. The reason for using the old t-stat with the guts removed is because without a t-stat or some type of restriction to slow the flow, the water can circulate to fast to cool.
Mickey-d